Wee: Let ties flourish for a prosperous shared future

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and China have formed a strong connection that is thriving in areas such as commerce and investment, cultural exchanges, as well as people-to-people ties, says MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

The collaboration between the two nations has yielded mutual benefits and significantly contributed to regional stability and development, he said.

He highlighted the enduring friendship, cooperation and mutual respect between Malaysia and China over the past five decades.

Dr Wee, who attended a dinner on Wednesday to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China bilateral relations, said: “As we mark this special occasion, let us reiterate our commitment to deepening and expanding our bilateral relations further.

“Let’s continue to construct bridges of understanding and cooperation that will illuminate the path towards a prosperous future for both Malaysia and China.”

Expressing his delight at being part of the grand dinner to mark the significant milestone, Dr Wee conveyed his heartfelt wishes for increased prosperity and harmony between the two nations.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, who began a three-day visit to Malaysia on Tuesday, were also in attendance.

Earlier on Wednesday, Anwar hosted a luncheon for Li at Seri Perdana, Putrajaya.

In a statement about the state banquet, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the Prime Minister spared no effort in promoting Malaysian products such as durian, mangosteen, as well as cendol pulut from Melaka.

As for the menu during the banquet, Nga said the dishes showcased the characteristics of Malaysia’s multiculturalism.

Among other dishes served were young mango salad, brown cuttlefish with water spinach and dark sweet sauce, peanut and sesame seeds, as well as stir-fried scallops with salted egg.

Other culinary delights included the red snapper fish in tamarind soup, seafood fried rice, braised lamb in creamy tomato gravy, fried grouper fish with sweet and sour sauce, grilled squid with torch ginger and chilli sauce, stirfried prawn with seafood paste sauce, roasted beef tenderloin with black pepper and mushroom sauce, as well as braised broccoli with shitake mushroom.

Let us break bread together: Anwar (centre) speaking with Li during the dinner in Kuala Lumpur. — Bernama

There was also a display of traditional dances, such as a Chinese fan dance, a Bharatanatyam classical dance, Joget Serampang Laut, as well as a medley of Borneo performances.

A number of Cabinet ministers were also present at the banquet.

The visit marks Li’s inaugural trip to Malaysia since taking office in March 2023.

It also coincides with the 50th golden anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China, following the signing of a joint statement by then-prime minister Tun Abdul Razak and premier Zhou Enlai on May 31, 1974.